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American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout

  • November 17, 2017

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event. Encourage someone you know to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. By quitting – even for 1 day – smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Yet, 40 million American adults still smoke. The most important thing smokers can do to improve their health is to quit cigarettes and other forms of tobacco.

At the same time, we know tobacco is one of the strongest addictions one can have. We used to encourage smokers to quit cold turkey on a single day. We now know that quitting is a process. It starts with a plan, often takes time and requires a lot of support.

Use these tips to help you get through your quit day and beyond:

  • Try to avoid all people, place, things, and situations that make you want to smoke.
  • Take things one day, one hour, one minute at a time.
  • Throw away all your lighters, cigarettes, and ashtrays.
  • Change your routine to avoid things that remind you of smoking.
  • Get plenty of rest and eat healthy.
  • Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, coffee, or any other drinks you link with smoking. Try a different low- or no-calorie option instead.
  • Spend as much free time as you can in public places where smoking is not allowed.
  • Go for a walk. Exercise can improve your mood and relieve stress

Take the first step today by calling Sabrina Gonzalez at 617-989-3274 for personalized counseling sessions at no cost in English or Spanish. If you are not ready to quit right now, that’s ok too. She can help you set a quit date in the future and talk about medications you can take to help you quit.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).